A former Australian Federal Police officer has been appointed the new head of Australia’s peak crime research agencies. Michael Phelan APM will take charge of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) as the chief executive officer next week. He has also been appointed director of the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC).

The ACIC is Australia’s national criminal intelligence agency with specialist investigative capabilities, dedicated to combating serious and organised crime, while the AIC conducts research into areas including the illicit firearms market. Mr Phelan has had a long career with the AFP, including deputy commissioner positions. He received the National Medal in 2000 and was awarded the Australian Police Medal in the 2008 Australia Day Honours.

The SSAA has written to Mr Phelan to congratulate him on his new positions and expressed our commitment to continue working productively with the agencies.